Shipyard job losses 'devastating', says shadow defence secretary

Vernon Coaker, the shadow defence secretary, says the news that BAE Systems is
to cut 1,775 jobs, including 940 in Portsmouth, is devastating

The shadow defence secretary questioned what the news means for the capacity of Britain to "build the warships that it needs" as BAE systems revealed that more than 1,000 jobs are set to be axed at some of the UK's leading shipyards.

The company is to axe 1,775 jobs in total. 940 jobs will be lost in Portsmouth on the South Coast and a further 835 in Glasgow, Rosyth and Filton, near Bristol.

The two other BAE shipyards in Govan and Scotsoun on the Clyde in Scotland are expected to continue shipbuilding, in what is being seen as a victory for Alex Salmond.